An open letter to LeBron James:

This past Thursday, you heard Heat president Pat Riley challenge you to stay the course. In so doing, he brought your character and competitive drive into question. But 19 years ago, Riley slithered out of New York like a snake, faxing his resignation to his employers, instead of telling them face to face like a real man. Where was his character and competitive drive? He stuck it to the people who paid him a fortune, he stuck it to the fans who believed he cared, and he stuck it to the players who gave him their allegiance. This season, he left you high and dry to carry the Heat on your back. So here is a suggestion: Sign with the Knicks. Why? Because Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball, and you would be the center of attention at the center of attention — and you finally will get the appreciation you deserve from the best basketball fans in the world. Best of all, you will get to stick it to Riley — and nothing would be better than that.

Ken Drexler
North Woodmere, N.Y.

Run to us, not away

Pat Riley now has a lot of nerve to tell LeBron James to have “the guts” not to “find the first door and run out of it,” even though that’s how he got LeBron to leave Cleveland for Miami.

Richard Siegelman
Plainview, N.Y.

Well done, Rangers!

I have been a Rangers fan for 61 years, going back to sitting in the blue seats in the Old Garden. I was able to attend all the games for the magical 1994 season ending in the Stanley Cup finally coming back to New York after 54 years. I must admit I am as proud of this year’s team as the gang from 1994. I want to acknowledge a group of gritty and determined players that gave us one of the greatest seasons for all Rangers fans.

Joel Applebaum
The Bronx

No contact allowed

During the NFL season, we continually witness more and more rules being administered to protect the quarterback. In hockey and soccer numerous rules are being enforced to avoid any contact with the goalie. And now in baseball, the player with the mask, the shin-guards and the padded chest guard is being overly protected at the plate. If these changes continue, there eventually will be no contact in any sport!